Back in 2021, the world was beginning to take tentative steps towards regaining a sense of normality. Shows began to open the gates to visitors, stipulating social distancing and the wearing of masks.

Of those shows, Northumberland decided to postpone for another year. It was during this season that Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks, took the showring by storm. The April 2018 bull took interbreed champion at Devon County, native interbreed at the Royal Highland Showcase and reserve interbreed at the Great Yorkshire show.

This came on the back of a string of successes within junior classes, notably standing as interbreed junior bull at the 2019 Royal Welsh. Then later in 2019 being awarded both, polled bull of the year and joint bull of the year at the society annual dinner.

The rush of publicity online caught the attention of overseas breeders leading to a semen bundle heading across the Atlantic to Ohio-based Shawn Stevens.

For breeders, Tom and Di Harrison, Moralee Herd, Mickley, Northumberland, the Northumberland show was the missing piece to an otherwise flawless record for their bull.

Fast-forward three years and with the show back in full swing, the couple decided, upon reflection, that Rebel was just too good to leave at home.

To make this occasion even more auspicious, the breeders were accompanied in the days leading up to the event, as well as on the day itself, by a Channel 4 production crew, including farming celebrity Matt Baker. Who took an active approach in helping prep the bull for the ring. ‘Travels with Mum and Dad’ will be airing later in the year.

Judge, Josh Dowbiggin, Salterforth, Lancaster, found his supreme champion in Rebel Kicks after pulling him forward in the male championship, following originally catching his eye in the senior bull class.

Following success within the Hereford division, Rebel Kicks elevated through the ranks, first in the native championship, with an angus animal in reserve. Later re-entering the ring to partake in the supreme beef championship, Rebel Kicks and a pedigree Limousin vied for supremacy, but it was the Hereford bull who came out on top.

With a halter full of ribbons, Rebel Kicks was bestowed the top accolade of named Champion of Champions.

After a career high, he has now hung up his show halter, but his work is not done. Back at home, Rebel Kicks has been put to work with the Moralee females in hopes that he will pass his winning touch along to his progeny.

The Moralee story doesn’t end here. Moralee 1 Kylie PR294, shone in her own right, earning the female champion ticket. January 2023-born, Kylie is no stranger to a championship win, having stood reserve junior female at the Christmas Calf show in Shrewsbury 2023. The triumph at Northumberland show has kept a legacy of wins within the heifer’s pedigree alive.

Out of the original Moralee 1 Kylie cow, who is now 10 years of age and still an asset to the herd, earning the female championship at Northumberland back in 2016.

Moralee 1 Sparkle PR285 from Tom and Di Harrison, reserve female championStablemate and sire-sister, Moralee 1 Sparkles PR285 was tapped out to stand beside Kylie as reserve female champion. Her dam, Tyndale 1 Sparkles 674 was purchased from Ivan and William Haire back in 2021 and continues to do the business for the husband-and-wife duo. Her calf, Moralee 1 Baz KS315, made his showing debut on Saturday earning a respectful third place in the junior bull class.

Sparkles later took part in the Grand Parade with Matt Baker at the helm.

Another bull making waves and no stranger to the showring was JC 1 Austin, from young breeder Liam Jackson-Carr. Having stood as reserve in the Christmas Calf show, the young bull made his way up the ranking having come out on top in the junior bull class, finishing in as reserve in the Overall championship. April-23 born, out of Coley 1 Dowager 545, he is a son of the prolific show-winner Coley 1 Vincent.

The Coley team entered the ring with Coley 1 Malan 697. A fresh heifer to the circuit with notable lineage. Sired by renowned bull Romany 1 Distiller A84 D53 and dam, Kammerherre Malan, a Danish import now residing at the Benacre herd.

Coley breeding held heavy influence throughout the day in many of the entries with Cara Doggett’s Coley 1 Mink 634 sitting within the ribbons.

A special mention to breeders, Bethan Hutchinson and Rebecca Moore for bringing forth a strong entry, we look forward to your success throughout the summer.

 

Full List of Results

Champion of Champions, Supreme Beef Champion, Native Champion, and Supreme Hereford Champion – Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks

Reserve Supreme Champion – JC 1 Austin

Female Champion – Moralee 1 Kylie PR294

Reserve Female Champion – Moralee 1 Sparkle PR285

 

Hereford – Heifer born on or after 1 May 2023

1^st Heather Whittaker Coley 1 Malan 697

2^nd Tom & Di Harrison Moralee 1 Kylie Dc314

3^rd Tom & Di Harrison Moralee 1 Rebel Amy Pr310

4^th Bethan Hutchinson Harveybros 1 Crocus Ariel

5^th Liam Jackson-Carr JC 1 Pearl 007

 

Hereford – Heifer born on or after 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2023

1^st Tom and Di Harrison Moralee 1 Kylie PR294

2^nd Rebecca Moore Spartan 1 Elizabeth 2^nd

3^rd Liam Jackson-Carr JC 1 Marigold 006

 

Hereford – Heifer born between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022

1^st Tom and Di Harrison Moralee 1 Sparkles PR285

2^nd Cara Doggett Coley 1 Mink 634

3^rd Tom and Di Harrison Moralee 1 Pippa BS265

4^th Bethan Hutchinson Porton House Duchess 2^nd

5^th Bethan Hutchinson Coley 1 Bubbles 641

 

Hereford – Cow in calf or with calf at foot born before 31 December 2021

1st Tom & Di Harrison Moralee 1 Kylie KS S3

 

Hereford – Bull born on or after 1 January 2023

1^st Liam Jackson-Carr JC 1 Austin

2^nd Tom & Di Harrison Moralee 1 Bond DC313

3^rd Tom & Di Harrison Moralee 1 Baz KS315

4^th Heather Whittaker Invictus 1 AC/DC

5^th Tom & Di Harrison Moralee 1 Ariat PR305

6^th Heather Whittaker Coley 1 Armani

 

Hereford – Bull born on or before 31 December 2022

1^st Tom & Di Harrison Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12

2^nd Bethan Hutchinson Dendor 1 Vodka

 

Pair of Animals

1^st Tom & Di Harrison

2^nd Liam Jackson-Carr

 

Once again, the Hereford cattle and exhibitors demonstrated a super display of cattle for this year’s Balmoral Show. A total of 59 cattle were entered from 13 different exhibitors. Massive thanks goes out to judge James Ludgate from Rempstone Herefords, Oxfordshire.

Gaining the top prize was Kinglee 1 Victorious from Mr Trevor Andrews, Larne. Born in November 2020, this impressive bull added to his list of prizes which includes champion of the national polled Hereford calf show in September 2021. After coming in first place in the senior bull class, he was tapped out as Supreme Hereford Champion of Balmoral Show 2024.

Not content with just Supreme Champion, Trevor went on to take the Junior Champion with Mountview 1 Nirvana. This February 2023 heifer is sired by Supreme Champion, Kinglee 1 Victorious and was also the reserve female champion.

Reserve Supreme Hereford Champion was awarded to the winner of the senior heifer class, Ballypallady 1 Wizzbit from Mr Stephen Cherry, Ballyclare. This homebred heifer is a daughter of one of his foundation females, Hawkesbury 1 Veronica, who has bred previous prize winners such as Ballypallady 1 Top Notch, reserve champion at Balmoral Show 2022.

Reserve Male Champion was Dorepoll 1 Westminster from Dorepoll Herefords, Crumlin. Born in September 2021, his pedigree is full of home breeding being a son of Dorepoll 1 93N Nationwide and Dorepoll 1 T1 Tessa 480. This award is adding to his previous success at the NIHBA calf show in 2022 where he was tapped out as Reserve Senior Male Champion after coming first in his class.

Lurgan-based Ciaran Kerr was the winner of the reserve junior breed championship with Kinnego 1 Amazon. This bull’s pedigree is full of prize winners, being son of NI Horned Bull of the Year and Overall Reserve Bull of the Year 2022, Country Crest Jack, and overall champion of Clogher Valley Show 2022, homebred Kinnego 1 Verity.

 

The progeny pair class was won by the Haire family, Dorepoll Herefords. The group of 3 animals was won by James & Bradley  Richmond of Richmount Herefords with Richmount 1 Archie, Richmount 1 Apples and Richmount 1 Annie.

 

Judge, James Ludgate, complimented all exhibitors on the efforts they had went to putting on a quality display of Hereford cattle. He was particularly impressed with the standard throughout and commended all for taking part.

 

COW or HEIFER, born on or before 31st December 2021, in calf or with calf at foot:

1st 42 Watson, Mr Greer Crossgar BT30 9NB, BARNBURN 1 NOLANA.

2nd  44 Dorepoll Herefords Dundrod BT29 4UB, DOREPOLL 1 CATALINA 681

3rd 46 Fitzpatrick, Miss Ciara Kilkeel BT34 4HL, RICHMOUNT 1 VICTORIA

4th 45 Hamilton, Martin Comber BT23 5JU, GRACELAND 1 SADIE

 

HEIFER, born on or after 1st January 2022, and on or before 30th June 2022, in calf or with calf at foot:

1st 54 Cherry, Mr Stephen Ballyclare BT39 0BS, BALLYPALLADY 1 WIZZBIT

2nd 56 Fitzpatrick, Miss Ciara Kilkeel BT34 4HL, MOYADD 1 WINNIE

3rd 58 Gill, John Newtownards BT23 6RL, LUSKY 1 WATERMELON

4th 50 Taggart, JK & H Newtownards BT22 2HB, CARNEYHILL 1 LADY 11TH

5th 59 Fitzpatrick, Miss Ciara Kilkeel BT34 4HL, GRACELAND 1 WILD ROSE

 

HEIFER, born on or after 1st July 2022, and on or before 31st December 2022:

1st 60 Andrews, Mr Trevor Larne BT40 3NF, MOUNTVIEW 1 MIDNIGHT

2nd 61 Cherry, Mr Stephen Ballyclare BT39 0BS, BALLYPALLADY 1 AGNETHA

3rd 62 Gill, John Newtownards BT23 6RL, LUSKY 1 ANNIE

4th 64 Watson, Mr Greer Crossgar BT30 9NB, BARNBURN 1 ACACIA

 

HEIFER, born on or after 1st January 2023:

1st 69 Andrews, Mr Trevor Larne BT40 3NF, MOUNTVIEW 1 NIRVANA

2nd 67 Taggart, JK & H Newtownards BT22 2HB, CARNEYHILL 1 GILLIAN 10TH

3rd 75 Kerr, Mr Ciaran Lurgan BT67 9JD, KINNEGO 1 ANN

4th 73 Graham, Mr James Portadown BT62 4JQ, RICHMOUNT 1 ABBIE

5th 68 Taggart, JK & H Newtownards BT22 2HB, CARNEYHILL 1 EMMA 29TH

6th 66 Graham, Mr James Portadown BT62 4JQ, RICHMOUNT 1 APPLES

 

BULL, born prior to 1st April 2022:

1st 78 Andrews, Mr Trevor Larne BT40 3NF, KINGLEE 1 VICTORIOUS

2nd 80  Dorepoll Herefords Dundrod BT29 4UB, DOREPOLL 1 WESTMINSTER ET

3rd 79 Irvine HND, Dipfman, FRAgS, Mr Robin J Armagh BT60 2JN, GRIANANPOLL 1 VEGAS

4th 83 Pogue, Mr Stuart Benburb BT71 7ND, GLENSIDE TRILLICK

5th 81 Hamilton, Martin Comber BT23 5JU, RINGDUFFERIN 1 EWAN

6th 82 Hamilton, Martin Comber BT23 5JU, RINGDUFFERIN 1 ELI

 

BULL, born on or after 1st April 2022, and on or before 31st December 2022:

1st 85 Dorepoll Herefords Dundrod BT29 4UB, TYNDALE 1 660 PERFECTION 691

2nd 89 Gill, John Newtownards BT23 6RL, LUSKY 1 AL

3rd 84 Graham, Mr James Portadown BT62 4JQ, RICHMOUNT 1 WARSAW

4th 87 Gill, John Newtownards BT23 6RL, LUSKY 1 ALEXANDER

 

BULL, born on or after 1st January 2023:

1st 96 Kerr, Mr Ciaran Lurgan BT67 9JD, KINNEGO 1 AMAZON

2nd 94 Graham, Mr James Portadown BT62 4JQ, RICHMOUNT 1 ARCHIE

3rd 92 Taggart, JK & H Newtownards BT22 2HB, CARNEYHILL 1 ALBERTO

4th 93 Taggart, JK & H Newtownards BT22 2HB, CARNEYHILL 1 AMIGO

5th 97 Fitzpatrick, Miss Ciara Kilkeel BT34 4HL, MOYADD 1 APOLLO

6th 99 Fitzpatrick, Miss Ciara Kilkeel BT34 4HL, MOYADD 1 ATALAS

 

Progeny Pair:

1st Ivan Haire, Dorepoll Herefords Dundrod BT29 4UB

2nd Kerr, Mr Ciaran Lurgan BT67 9JD

3rd Gill, John Newtownards BT23 6RL

4th Graham, Mr James Portadown BT62 4JQ

5th Taggart, JK & H Newtownards BT22 2HB

6th Fitzpatrick, Miss Ciara Kilkeel BT34 4HL

 

Group of Three Animals:

1st Graham, Mr James Portadown BT62 4JQ

2nd Taggart, JK & H Newtownards BT22 2HB

3rd Gill, John Newtownards BT23 6RL

4th Fitzpatrick, Miss Ciara Kilkeel BT34 4HL

5th Hamilton, Martin Comber BT23 5JU

 

Champion Hereford: Trevor Andrews with Kinglee 1 Victorious

Reserve Champion: Stephen Cherry with Ballypallady 1 Wizzbit

 

Junior Champion: Trevor Andrews with Mountview 1 Nirvana

Reserve Juniour Champion: Ciaran Kerr with Kinnego 1 Amazon

 

Taking the Breed Championship in the first breed classes of the season for Traditional Herefords was the in-calf heifer Carpenters Curly 20th from I & H MacLeod, Malvern, which then went on to be selected as the Reserve Interbreed Champion cattle exhibit at the festival, held on 17 & 18 May at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd. Sired by the renowned AI bull Free Town Klondyke born in 1975, this smart heifer caught the eye of judge and Doncombe British Blonde cattle breeder David Knight, Bristol, who tapped her out as his Hereford champion.

Taking the Breed Championship in the first breed classes of the season for Traditional Herefords was the in-calf heifer Carpenters Curly 20th from I & H MacLeod, Malvern, which then went on to be selected as the Reserve Interbreed Champion cattle exhibit at the festival, held on 17 & 18 May at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd. Sired by the renowned AI bull Free Town Klondyke born in 1975, this smart heifer caught the eye of judge and Doncombe British Blonde cattle breeder David Knight, Bristol, who tapped her out as his Hereford champion.

 

Topping the bull trade at £3,150 was Senior Bull Class winner – Lot 4 Free Town Ajax, selling locally to Matthew Dent, Withington Herefords.

Female trade topped with an unshown female from E.L.Lewis & Son, 14 month old Lot 23 – Haven Curly 156TH selling at £2,205 to Nigel Hooper, Malvern who also added Reserve Female Champion Lot 22 – Haven Louisa 104TH at £2,100. Both the in-calf heifers sold the buyers pick through the sale ring was the heifer from M Gray & L Crowther Lot 10 – Buckenhill 1 Iona W356 selling for £2100 to AB Bomford, Droitwich.

Female Champion from Sarah Hawkins was Lot 18 – Bosbury 1 Brownie A149 GT sold to Steve Chilman, Kinsham Herefords, Presteigne for £1890.

With majority 12-14 month yearlings on sale, the 10 heifers averaged £1,827 at 55% clearance.

The HCBA would like to thank judge Robert Clarke , sponsor JG Animal Health, McCartneys Worcester Team for a well run day and the successful buyers with their purchases.

Despite the slow start to the spring buyers were out in force at Dungannon Farmers Mart for the April Sale. Brisk trade for strong Hereford bulls resulted in 10 selling from the 11 forward to average £2993.

Leading the prices at 3400gns was Brookfield 1 Wisdom from Roy & Pat McClenaghan. Born in April 2022 this son of the widely used AI sire Fabb 1 Northern Star from the purchased dam Graceland 1 Sarah. After finishing 2nd in the Senior class he followed through to be Reserve Champion before selling to Gerard Mooney, Dungannon.

Mark & Lawrence Moore had a successful day selling their 3 bulls to average £2905, leading their pen was the January 2022 born Annaghbeg Koala. Sired by Mara Pristine his dam was the homebred Annaghbeg Dakota, he stood first in his class before being placed Champion. The first bull into the ring he sold for pedigree use to David Smyth, Ballynahinch for the days second top price of 3000gns. Following close behind was his herdmate Annaghbeg Kodiak selling for 2900gns to Brian Henry Cookstown. Another April 2022 born bull he was sired by stockbull Cill Cormaic Nevada from another homebred dam Annaghbeg Gertrude.

Robin & James Irvine sold two sons of stockbull Blakesley 1 Nobility for 3000gns & 2900gns. First up was the June born Graceland 1 Watson who sold to Kennedy Hunter, Magherafelt, with the July born Graceland 1 Arthur also going to Magherafelt to join Thomas Anderson.

Also selling for 2900gns was Cassan Rory from Gordon Buchanan, born in July 2022 he was a son of Allowdale Rory and sold to Matthew Henderson, Trillick.

Alan Shaw sold his September 2022 born Benburb 1 Alfie for 2800gns. Another son of Fabb 1 Northern Star he stayed local in Dungannon with Edward Robinson.

The 2 youngest bulls forward were from Bertie & Greer Watson. Both were sons of Solpoll 1 Ringo and sold for 2600gns a piece, the 17 month old Barnburn 1 Albert sold to Paul Hurrell, Ballymena with Patrick Barker, Dungannon purchasing the 16 month old Barnburn 1 Aladdin.

The NIHBA would like to thank the judge Ian Watson, Dungannon Farmers Mart and the successful buyers with their purchases.

The sun made a much-awaited return on Saturday, April 13th, following a prolonged period of rain – just in time for the Spring Show and Sale of Pedigree Hereford Cattle at Shrewsbury Livestock Market.

Leading the trade was Rempstone 1 Woody S658, fetching an impressive 8,000gns. Bred by M. Ludgate of Thame, Oxford, the top priced bull caught the eye of judge Sally Mitchell, Lanscombe Herefords within the society show. Leading Woody not only to secure first place in his class but moving forward to claim the title of Senior Bull Champion and Grand Male Champion.

Born from Fisher 1 Cherry N431 and sired by Fisher 1 Socrates S509, Woody boasts impressive calving figures, placing him in the top 10% of his category. He was eagerly sought out by new breeder Andrew Thomas, Ffynnon Luan Farm, Maes Y Bont, Llanelli, who is in the initial stages of establishing his own pedigree Hereford herd.

Another success within the Rempstone collection saw offering Rempstone 1 Alcatraz N685 stand as Reserve Junior Male Champion and finish the day selling for 3,900gns. S & E Walker will be taking him home to Preston, Lancashire to join their herd, Hoghton View Herefords.

Rempstone 1 Alcatraz N685 from M LudgateThe Rempstone herd has demonstrated a notable trend, securing the male championship cup, as it returns for the third consecutive occasion.

All animals brought forward from the Rempstone stable garnered rosettes within the ring and achieved an average of 4,900gns.

Across the board, 44 bulls averaged £3,612.00, having cleared at 68 per cent.

Blazing the trail in the female trade, following behind Rempstone 1 Woody S658, Harveybros 1 Crocus Aurora from Father-Daughter team, George, and Sophie Harvey, Balfron, Glasgow who saw the heights of 6,400gns securing the purchase for Vaughan Farms Ltd, Hereford.

February-born, the heifer has been racking up the ribbons throughout last year, notably Junior Female Champion at Agri Expo as well as Overall Junior Champion and Reserve Native Interbreed Champion Stars of the Future.

Her winning streak did not stop at the pre-Christmas shows. Shortly after she claimed the top spot within her class, she strode into poll position as Grand Female Champion.

From the Crocus line, out of Harveybros 1 Crocus Tiara and sired by Sky High 1 Take-a-Chance, the time spent on the show circuit paid the breeders dividends as admired from afar, she has found a new home in Leominster, Herefordshire.

Following through the ranks, securing second place within the same class, and joining Aurora on the podium within the Female Championship as reserve was Harveybros 1 Crocus Ariel.

With a flurry of excitement, the auction ended with a resounding bid of 5,300gns. The lucky vendors to secure the final bid was Bethan Hutchinson, Billingham, Cleveland.

The last of the offerings from George and Sophie Harvey, Harveybros 1 Crocus WooWoo was tapped out in first place by Mrs Mitchell. Later the gavel dropped on 3,500gns. Leaving the average for the three heifers at 5,066gns.

Continuing to fly the flag for Scotland, breeder Robert Wilson, supported by daughter Lottie and son Henry, saw the hammer fall on 6,300gns for their bull, Romany 1 Avatar FR A22, purchased by Highridge Farm Partners, Oxted, Surrey.

From their Ishbel line, out of Romany 1 Ishbel H12 M33 who’s sire Romany 1 Heavyduty A84 previously stood as Champion at the Royal Highland Show, proving that the winning touch runs within the family as Avatar claimed second within his class on sale day.

From the same home, commanding strong money was Romany 1 Ali-Price FR A41, earning the breeders from Kelso 4,600gns. Romany 1 Ali-Price FR A41 was purchased by HA Colburn & Son from Crickley Barrow near Cheltenham. Both bulls are sired by Fabb 1 Rocco.

Romany 1 Avatar FR A22 from R Wilson

Joining the society in 2021, Will Medforth, Llanrug, Gwynedd, attended previous sales sitting amongst the buyers. It was his establishing year that he attended the Sky-High reduction sale, hosted at the Society sale purchasing Sky High 1 Miss Staffordshire for the top call of 7,000gns from breeder Boomer Birch and Graham Brindley, Weston Staffordshire.

No stranger to pedigree breeding with rare breed horses and Suffolk sheep at home, Mr. Medforth made his way back to the market hall. This time taking on the role of a seller at his inaugural sale. Sky High 1 Miss Staffordshire, his earlier acquisition, proved her worth by yielding Penryhyn 1 Watchman, Medforths first sale who fetched 5,000gns before he exited the sales ring. He’ll be travelling the short distance from the mart to Craven Arms under the ownership of JH Morris & Son.

JM Cant and Partners presented a formidable entry from the Panmure herd, showcasing exceptional quality that justified the price. Leading the trade for the breeders was Panmure 1 Plum W9, a daughter of the esteemed Panmure 1 Plum L7. Plum L7 had previously secured Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion titles at the Royal Highland in 2016. After claiming second place in her class, Plum W9 was sold for 5,800gns to Devonshire based breeder, Gerald Wood of FJ Wood & Sons.

In the male portion, Panmure 1 Apollo lead his class. Previously shown at Agri Expo at the back of 2023 with success, he shares blood with heifer Panmure 1 Plum W9 through grand dam Panmure 1 Plum L7 and is the paternal sister to the heifer. He sold to Mrs R Williamson, Nantwich, Cheshire for 4,900gns.

Next in the money was Studdolph 1 Angela 871. Out of homebred, Studdolph 1 Angela 623 and sired by Vexour 1 Palmer, the October born heifer earned breeder Non Thorne 4,000gns and a second place ribbon within her class.

She has found a home with R Hamilton & I Lammie, Cumnock, East Ayrshire as a foundation female for their newly established Hereford herd.

Also from the Thorne family, Glenvale 1 Hoskins Sotutu came out on top within the Junior Male Championship after winning his class.

Out of Havenfield 1 Lady Lynda, sired by Solpoll 1 Lawman, EL Lewis & Son presented Havenfield 1 Archer through the showring. Tapped out in the red within his class and Reserve in the Senior Male Championship, the Herefordshire bred bull went forward and sealed the deal for 4100gns, selling to H Jackson, Goscombe Farm, Gundleton.

Normanton Herefords from TD & WT Livesey, brought forward a sizeable entry, accumulating to seven bulls, all with great consistency and quality throughout.

Notably class winner, Normanton 1 Availabull A686 inspired spirited bidding concluding at 4,000gns. As a heifer calf, his dam was shown locally with great success as is one of the top performing cows within the herd. Normanton 1 Availabull A686 headed home with purchaser, JE Jones & Son from Montgomery, Powys.

Within the same class, standing third, was Normanton 1 Amorous A693. Paternal brother to Normanton 1 Availabull A686 out of homebred Normanton 1 Jews Ear 33rd, Amorous A693 sold to the Coombs Brothers for 3,600gns.

The Normanton entries averaged 3,187gns.

Breeder, Carolyn Fletcher, Barwise Herefords, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria’s consignment averaged 3,700gns with lots heading to Stratfield Saye Farms, Reading, Berkshire and Weybrook Farm, Basingstoke, Hampshire.

We would like to thank our judge Sally Mitchell from Lanscombe Herefords, as well as the stewards for all giving up your time to ensure the show runs smoothly.

A big thank you to our sponsors for their continued support.

Brown & Co, Caisley Tags, Dunbia, Farmers Guardian and Herdwatch

Heifers – Clearance 67% with an average sale price £3,533.25

Bulls – Clearance 68% with an average sale price £3,612.00

Overall average – £3,592.31

A small but powerful consignment of Herefords entered the ring at the February Stirling fixture. All met a strong demand seeing the entire offering heading to new homes.

Leading the trade was Fellowhills 1 Watt, from Jimmy Hodge, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

March 22-born, the bull is out of Rempstone 1 Curly D561, a cow classified as VG 86 and a maternal sister to last year’s Three Counties Champion as well as the Agri Expo Champion 2021.

Mr Hodge was an early adopter of the classification service and one of the first to utilise the information at a sale.

Sired by Fellowhills 1 Talisman, the bull caught commercial breeder, Robert Parkers eye last year following his participation judging the Scottish segment of the National Herd Competition. When Fellowhills 1 Watt was entered into the sale at Stirling, Mr Parker headed to the auction to secure the purchase for 4,000gns.

Heading back to Drumdow, Watt will be used within Roberts Black Baldy system, breeding replacements for the suckler herd and young stock to be sold on.

 

For Criffel 1 Warrior from E Burgess, Dumfries, the bidding climaxed at 3,500gns. Born in May 2022, he is by Criffel 1 Thor, the Supreme Champion at Stirling in 2022, out of homebred Criffel 1 Souvenir, who is a daughter of New Zealand bred, Otapawa Minerva 7005.

The bull sits in the top 5% for both the terminal and self-replacing index, IMEG, eye muscle area and carcase index.

Closing the Hereford portion of the sale was a heifer from Northumberland breeders, Tom and Di Harrison. Moralee 1 Kylie RK287 strode into the ring and sold for 3,000gns to Tracey McKenzie, Lauder, Scotland. By Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks KS R12, she is out of Moralee 1 Kylie 2^nd.

*Average price up from Stirling sale in February 2023

Conference sheds light on how farmers can go green

How can farmers adapt to meet the climate change challenges? This was the question posed by the British Cattle Breeders Club at its conference in Telford, Shropshire, last week (22-24 January).

Acclaimed academics, scientists and leading farmers told delegates how a combination of tools could help farmers deliver Net Zero.

These included adopting carbon calculators, using cutting-edge technology to breed more efficient animals and harnessing the untapped potential of data across the supply chain.

Beef Day delegates heard how advancements in plant breeding and the adoption of regenerative farming could also play significant roles.

A journey to Net Zero

Professor John Gilliland, from Queens University Belfast and AHDB adviser, presented findings from the ARC Zero project, which involved seven farms in Northern Ireland, including his own.

As part of the project, which was funded by the NI Executive and the EU’s EIP-Agri Programme, farms measured GHG emissions and carbon sequestration. This empowered behavioural change and three farms have reached net zero since 2021 by adopting renewable energy and using multispecies, for example.

The project revealed that 97% of carbon was stored in the soil, not in trees.

Prof Gilliland said: “As we race to get rid of animals and plant trees, remember one thing: it is the soil we need to look after.”

ffinlo Costain, Chief Editor of 8point9.com and former chief executive of the think tank Farmwel, spoke about how regenerative farming was fundamental to delivering ecological security and turning the tide on the climate crisis.

He explained: “The right to affordable nutrition underpins peace and civil stability – and ‘ecological breakdown’ is already affecting the food production that depends on it.

“Just as nations are turning to renewables for greater energy security – we must turn to regenerative farming for ecological security.”

He said the grazing cow was the ‘beating heart’ of a regenerative system and the engineer that could help tie nature’s processes back together.

‘Profitability underpins sustainability’

A clear message at this year’s conference was how profitability underpinned sustainability – ‘you can’t go green if you are in the red’, was how one audience member phrased it.

Aberdeenshire suckler farmer Duncan Morrison explained how running a simple, low-cost grass-based system had helped him build a ‘lean and mean’ business.

Since taking on a 226-acre tenancy in 2016, Mr Morrison has grown the business to 650 acres and will bull 250 spring-calving cows and heifers this spring – a mix of Aberdeen-Angus and Stabilisers.

He advocated investing in ‘flesh, not metal’ and performance recording animals under pressure. His replacements must be resilient – he outwinters for 125 days on bale grazing and expects animals to calve unassisted following two cycles with the bull.

He is running 160 cows/labour unit by selecting easy-calving genetics and ensuring cows have good mothering ability.

“I want cows that can stand up and be counted. A simple system with low fixed costs can be an attainable target for most farms,” he said.

Collaboration and data

Delegates also heard how greater collaboration in the supply chain could help improve efficiencies.

Brongain Farm, Llanfechain, are improving daily liveweight gains and reducing days on farm by working closely with dairy farmers to select sires for calving ease and growth rate.

They are also using rapid colostrum tests and paying suppliers a 10-15% uplift for calves that achieve target.

Currently, dairy-beef animals are finished at 650kg aged 22.5 months and are at grass for 270 days, but the target is to reduce slaughter age to 20 months by improving growth rates to 1.1kg/day.

British Limousin Society Chief Executive Alice Swift echoed the importance of using data to identify where improvements could be made.

“To be efficient you need a live calf per cow per year. Over 250,000 cows in the UK don’t rear a calf to weaning. That’s massively inefficient and is a huge opportunity for us to understand why, and genetics will be playing a part in that.”

This data was based on SRUC figures which showed only 80% of the UK’s 1.3m sucklers reared a calf to weaning.

New advancements will also play a key role in the future in helping to prevent farm emissions.

Paul Billings, MD of Germinal UK and Ireland, revealed Germinal had been awarded £3.3m in Defra funding to develop clover and elite rhizobia to help fix up to 300kg of atmospheric nitrogen and eliminate the need the chemical fertilisers.

Meanwhile, Professor Sharon Huws, Director of Research at Queens University Belfast, has been exploring the effects of feeding ruminants multi-species grasses, along with seaweed and feed additives, to inhibit methane.

She said studies had shown a range in reductions but arguably one of the most promising was Red Seaweed Asparagopsis which lowered methane by 60% in beef and dairy animals.

BCBC Chairman, Ben Harman, said: “In the face of perceived challenges ahead, there was an overwhelming positivity from speakers and delegate alike.

“While it was clear that there is no silver bullet, the use of accurate data in our management and breeding decisions will help us improve our environmental and economical sustainability.”

The presentations will be available on  talking slides site British Cattle Breeders Club (talkingslideshd.com) and are available to members and delegates.

Midford 1 Ravette 1^st from Will Awan stroke into the top spot at this years Annual Christmas Calf show held by the Hereford Cattle Breeders Association at Shrewsbury Livestock Centre.

This is the first championship win for the heifer but follows a string of high positions wins over the last few months, one of which was taking overall reserve at AgriExpo.

Born-January ’23, Ravette is the first calf from stockbull, Kinglee 1 The New One, and is a natural calf from foundation cow Gouldingpoll 1 Ravette 738 a cow purchased in from Ireland in 2021. The supreme championship win came behind Ravette taking the junior championship title and the win within her class.

Overseeing the line-up was judge William McMordie, Northern Ireland, of the Solpoll herd. When reviewing the final selection for the supreme champion, William selected the Ravette above the rest as he reflected on words of wisdom passed to him by his father. ‘It came down to which one I would be most devastated not to win with if I was showing. When I though that way it was an easier selection, as the top two were so close. But the winner was a heifer I’d want in my herd.’

Stood in reserve was Dendor 1 Greta 37^th from DE, ED & AL Jones following her victory taking top position in the senior female championship and her class. A daughter of Pepperstock 1 Trigger, out of Dendor 1 Greta 24^th. Mr McMordie wasn’t alone in taking a shine to the September 22 born heifer as she found a new home with a post-show sale, taking her to the Suffolk cost to the Benacre herd.

 

From Phillip and Laura Vincent Pulham 1 Olive 7th claimed the reserve title in the senior female championship. Born Sep-22, Olive was second in her class behind the overall reserve champion. Out of Pulham 1 Olive 1^st, Olive is sired by Appel 1 Kaboom.

 

Occupying the reserve junior heifer position was Moralee 1 Kylie PR294 from Tom and Di Harrison. January 2023-born she is by Moralee 1 RHS Prince KR R8 who’s progeny has seen a string of success. Out of Moralee 1 Kylie, Kylie PR294 was second in her class behind the supreme champion.

In the male section, Rempstone 1 Avalanche N674 took the junior male champion title. From M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire, Jan 2023-born Avalanche N674 is out of Rempstone 1 Dowager V424, sired by Dendor 1 Nairobi, who himself was named junior male champion at both the National Poll show and Kington in 2016 at six months old.

From young breeder, Liam Jackson-Carr, JC 1 Austin took reserve junior male champion. Hailing from Sheffield, the out of Coley 1 Vincent, the current joint bull of the year, out of Coley 1 Dowager 545.

From TD & WT Livesey, Normanton 1 Anthony A617 claimed the senior male champion title. From Leicester, Anthony A617 is out of Normanton 1 Fistulina 18th R360, sired by Normanton 1 Twm T611.

Alongside the Normanton bull, Pulham 1 Achilles took reserve senior male champion marking another success for the Pulham herd. Out of Pulham 1 Curly 3^rd, Achilles is a son of Appel 1 Kaboom.

In November to December 2022 bull class, Spartan 1 Arabian King SP 204 was tapped out victorious. Arabian King also won his class earlier this year at AgriExpo. From SC & GL Hartwright, exhibited by stockman, Luke Murphy, the bull is son of Solpoll 1 Perfection, the current sire of the year, out of Spartan 1 Peppa.

In bull calf born March 2023 class, with Non-Thorne at the helm, Ashdale 3 Henderson from TG, EI & EN Thorne took the red rosette. Out of Ashdale 3 Queen 509, sired by Alderville 1 Dover.

Another win for the Thorne family, this time within the female classes, Studdolph 1 Barbie 884 partied into first position. November 2022-born out of Studdolph 1 Barbie 719 and sired by Vexour 1 Palmer.

From the home of last year’s Christmas calf show champion Holmefold 1 Rocco, young breeder Maddy Scott re-entered the ring this year with heifer Holmefold 1 Lady Luck. Proving that luck is in more than the name, Maddy lead her Feb born heifer into pole position. Lady Luck is the full brother to Holmefold 1 Rocco, sired by Hoghton View 1 Kid Rock, out of Hoghton View 1 Chico 1^st.

Another win for the Dendor herd, with Dendor 1 Wattle 15^th from DE, ED & AL Jones. March 23-born, out of homebred Dendor 1 Wattle 9^th and sired by Dendor 1 Vernon.

Winning the ‘best pair of bull calves’ was M Ludgate from Rempstone herd.

Leading the way in the ‘best pairs of heifers calves’ class was TG, EI & EN Thorne, Glendale/Studdolph Herefords.

The young handler section was greatly supported with a large uptake of entries. Boomer Birch selected his winner within the ring whilst Millie Birch kept a close eye on the competitors as the undercover guest judge.

Winners were as follows.

• Senior Class – Emma Dexter
• Intermediate Class – Finlay Soutter
• Junior Class – Ashlee Hughes

 

• Champion: Finlay Souter
• Reserve: Emma Dexter
• Future Star: Ashlee Hughes